This week's product news includes PepsiCo preparing plans to launch into dairy-alternatives in the US and Atlantic Natural Foods set to take its plant-based Loma Linda range into the UK.

PepsiCo set for dairy-alternatives push

The US-based food and drinks giant is set to launch a line of oat-based beverages in its domestic market in January.

The Quaker Oat Beverage products "will be available in retailers nationwide", PepsiCo's Brian Hannigan told just-food, although he declined to name the chains set to stock the drinks.

Hannigan, senior marketing director for PepsiCo's nutrition innovation strategy in North America, said a growing number of US consumers were looking to eat more plant-based foods. He also argued "heart health" was a "key factor" for consumers as they sought out products.

"In a survey last year, Nielsen reported 39% of Americans are actively trying to eat more plant-based foods, so with more consumers gravitating towards that lifestyle, we're able to help meet their needs by offering a plant-based beverage that also offers functional benefits," Hannigan said. "We also learned that the heart health claim is a key factor for consumers seeking products in the dairy alternative category, so Quaker saw this as an opportunity to use our deep knowledge and expertise (in oats) to bring a convenient and heart-healthy option to the chilled beverage section."

B&G Foods-owned Green Giant rolls out vegetable meal bowls

B&G Foods-owned Green Giant is rolling out a range of convenient meal bowls in the US.

The vegetable bowls are gluten-free and are packaged in a microwave-safe container. They will be available in the refrigerated aisle of US grocers nationwide at a recommended retail price of US$3.99.

Hormel adds to Vital Cuisine range

US food group Hormel Foods has added the 500 Shake, 206 cookies and Fiber Basics Instant Soluble powder to its Vital Cuisine range which is designed to provide nutrition for those going through cancer treatment.

The range, which already includes ready-to-eat meals, protein nutrition shakes and whey protein powders, is specially designed to support the unique nutritional needs of cancer patients, including combating fatigue, unintentional weight loss, taste sensitivities, and decreased appetite.

The new 500 Shake addition comes in chocolate and vanilla flavours and contains 22 grams of protein and 520 calories.

The Hormel Vital Cuisine products are developed with support from the Cancer Nutrition Consortium (CNC), a US not-for-profit organisation comprised of nutritionists, dietitians, oncologists, and physicians from cancer research institutions, along with culinary experts. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the products benefit the CNC.

Tim Garry, director of marketing at Hormel Health Labs, said: "We are very excited about the 500 Shake. We developed it based on feedback from patients who need more protein during or after cancer treatment.

"We wanted to offer our customers a shelf-stable shake that delivers on taste and is packed with protein that patients need for recovery."

US-based agri-food business Cargill is rolling at a premium healthy cooking oil in India.

The product is being launched from what the company calls its "home-grown brand" in India, NatureFresh.

NatureFresh Acti Heart adheres to the health guidelines from the Indian Council of Medical Research on dietary fats and contains Omega 3, along with an "ideal Omega 6/ Omega 3 ratio", which according to the National Institute of Nutrition should be between 5 to 10. It is also fortified with vitamins A, D, and E.

NatureFresh Acti Heart will be available in a one-litre bottle and also in pouch format of the same size across e-commerce platforms and modern and general trade stores in select Indian markets.

US food group Atlantic Natural Foods is launching its Loma Linda brand of plant-based seafood alternative products in the UK.

The company, owned by All About Healthy Foods, has entered into an agreement with Worldwide Food Associates (WFA) of Liverpool to introduce, market and distribute the shelf stable products in the UK.

ANF said the range includes the recently-developed seafood alternative Tuno.

The companies "anticipate product launch for availability on-shelf in January".

Approached by just-food on which retailers will stock which products, All About Healthy Foods said more information would be "forthcoming in the next few weeks".

All About Healthy Foods was set up earlier this year by US investment firm AFT Holdings as the entity through which it would focus its moves in the sector.

Stryve claims biltong market first in US

US protein snacks firm Stryve Foods has added to its product portfolio with the launch of what it said is the first trail mix with beef biltong in the market.

The new product is a blend of air-dried beef biltong mixed with nuts and seeds. It is available in three varieties - original, jalapeño and dark chocolate.

Stryve said its trail mix contains 20g of protein, only 2g of sugar (excluding the chocolate flavour). It is allergy and paleo diet-friendly as it does not contain peanuts.

The company was set up by sports nutrition veterans Ted Casey (founder of Dymatize), Joe Oblas and TJ Humphreys (founders of Prosupps) and Gabe Carimi, a former NFL first-round draft pick.

Carimi said: We couldn't be more excited about the launch of Stryve Trail Mix with Beef Biltong. People continue to tell us they struggle to find healthy, all natural and convenient snacks that curb their cravings and leave them satisfied. Stryve Trail Mix with Beef Biltong is an answer to that struggle as it is high in protein, low in sugar, all natural and tastes amazing."

Conagra Brands launches microwaveable Angie's Boomchickapop

US food group Conagra Brands is launching a microwaveable popcorn under its Angie's Boomchickapop label.

Angie's Boomchickapop Microwave Popcorn is available in three flavours: Real Butter, Sea Salt, and Lightly Sweet Kettle Corn. It comes with four so-called Fresh Pop Bowls for easy cooking.

The product is made using sustainably-sourced palm oil and is gluten-free and non-GMO. It is available in US stores nationwide at a recommended retail price of US$3.99.

Nestlé is launching a range of soups in the Middle East targeted at kids under its Maggi brand.

The new products will roll out from the brand's Kitchen Cupboard range in Creamy Potato and Chicken Pasta providing what Nestlé says are more healthy eating options free of artificial ingredients, additives, colours or flavours.

Made in accordance with strict international dietary guidelines for children, the soups are made of up to one-third natural vegetables combined with animal pasta shapes.

Maggi is also adding vegetables, grains, pulses, and other nutritious ingredients to its products as part of the brand's goal to transform its global range by 2020 to only include ingredients that consumers can find in their kitchen cupboards.

... and adds to Gerber baby-food range in the US

Nestlé, meanwhile, is launching another line of Gerber baby-food products in the US market.

The Freshful Start range of organic baby and toddler food are being sold exclusively at 50 Walmart stores.

Nestlé touted how the new foods contain no preservatives, nor GMOs, nor artificial flavours and colours.

The line comprises purees, Veggie Entrée Bowls and Veggie Sides (for babies of at least a year), as well as baby food "kits" for either babies of at least six months or at least a year depending on the product.

Nestlé said it was trying to target "a growing trend" for home-made baby food. "According to BabyCenter, approximately two-thirds of mums are preparing homemade baby food, a 20% increase since 2015. Additionally, almost half of moms say finding the time to prepare healthy meals is a challenge. Freshful Start Ready-to-Blend Baby Food Kits help mums make homemade baby food with ingredients perfectly prepped for the blender," it told just-food.